Term
What are some of the non-structural hazards in your neighborhood, homes, or workplaces?
(CERT Manual Page 1-12) |
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Definition
Gas line ruptures from water heaters or ranges displaced by shaking, water, or wind
Damage from falling books, dishes, or other cabinet contents
Risk of injury or electric shock from displaced appliances and office equipment
Fire from faulty wiring, overloaded plugs, frayed electrical cords |
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Term
How do you shelter-in-place?
(CERT Manual Page 1-17) |
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Definition
Identify an internal room in your home, at work, or other locations where you spend a great deal of time.
If sheltering-in-place is needed, you will be in this room for only a few hours, but it is important that you be able to seal the room quickly.
Storing specific items in the room is helpful. You should have snacks and water; a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, and pre-cut plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal off vents and door and window openings. |
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Term
How much water should you store in preparation for a disaster?
(CERT Manual Page 1-22) |
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Definition
Store 1 gallon of water per person per day (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation).
Keep at least a 3-day supply of water for each person in your household. Keep in mind that a normally active person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water each day.
Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that requirement. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. |
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Term
How can you store water?
(CERT Manual Page 1-22) |
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Definition
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Look for the triangular recycling symbol with a number 1 on the bottom of the bottle as those are best for water storage.
Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as plastic milk jugs or glass bottles, - Wash the bottle with soap and warm water, fill with water from your tap, and store in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight.
Replace your emergency water every 6 months by repeating the process; like food and batteries, water does expire! |
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Term
How many days supply of food should you have?
(CERT Manual Page 1-23) |
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Definition
Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water. |
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Term
What kinds of food are best for your disaster supplies?
(CERT Manual Page 1-23) |
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Definition
Check food and water expiration dates biannually.
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
Staples: sugar, salt, pepper
High-energy food: peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix Foods for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
Comfort and stress foods: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags |
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Term
How can you purify water?
(CERT Manual Page 1-23) |
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Definition
If you have questions about the quality of the water, purify it before drinking.
You can heat water to a rolling boil for 1 minute or use commercial purification tablets to purify the water.
You can also use regular household liquid chlorine bleach if it is pure 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. (Do not use perfumed bleach!)
To purify water, use these ratios of water and bleach:
1 Quart -2 Drops
1 Gallon - 8 Drops
5 Gallons - 1/2 Teaspoon |
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Term
What kitchen items should you include in your emergency supplies?
(CERT Manual Page 1-24) |
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Definition
Manual can opener
Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
All-purpose knife
Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
Re-sealing plastic bags
If food must be cooked, small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel |
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Term
What clothing and bedding should you include in your emergency supplies?
(CERT Manual Page 1-26) |
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Definition
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person (and remember to change for the different seasons!)
Sturdy shoes or boots
Rain gear
Blankets or sleeping bags
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses |
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Term
Non-structural hazard mitigation includes relatively simple actions you can take to prevent home furnishings and appliances from causing damage or injuries during any event that might cause them to shift. What things can you do?
(CERT Manual Page 1-28)
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Definition
Anchor heavy furniture
Secure appliances and office equipment
Install hurricane storm shutters
Secure cabinet doors with childproof fasteners
Locate and label gas, electricity, and water shutoffs
Secure water heaters and have flexible gas lines installed |
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Term
Is a shelter-in-place room the same as a safe room?
(CERT Manual Page 1-29) |
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Definition
Please note, a safe room is NOT the same as a shelter-in-place location. A safe room requires significant fortification in order for the room to provide protection against extremely high winds. More information is available at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/saferoom/index.shtm
Sheltering-in-place is done to protect against contaminants in the air. To shelter-in-place, you do not need to alter the structure of the room. You are simply sealing the room with plastic sheeting and duct tape for a short period of time while the contaminants in the air dissipate. |
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Term
Preparedness requires active participation from all. What can you do?
(CERT Manual Page 1-31) |
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Definition
Start the process by talking to your friends and family about the hazards in your area and what steps you all need to take to be able to help each other in a crisis - large or small.
Ask about emergency planning at your workplace, your schools, your place of worship, and other social settings.
Make sure that those in charge have a plan and are connected to community authorities on emergency management and planning. |
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Term
What is a CERT member’s first responsibility?
(CERT Manual Page 1-33) |
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Definition
A CERT member’s first responsibility is personal and family safety.
Only after personal and family safety is secured is it possible and pertinent to respond in a group capacity to do what is necessary for the community as a whole. |
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Term
What are some Independent Study (IS) courses you can take?
(CERT Manual Page 1-38) |
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Definition
IS-100.a Introduction to Incident Command System
IS-200.a ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
IS-800.b National Response Framework, An Introduction
For a complete listing and access to FEMA Independent Study courses, visit www.training.fema.gov/IS/ . Click on the "ISP Course List" link. |
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Term
Personal preparedness should be tailored to the hazards in your community, but should include:
(CERT Manual Page 1-39) |
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Definition
Learning about community alerts, warnings, and plans
Learning about appropriate protective actions
Developing household plans and conducting drills to practice
Assembling disaster supplies in multiple locations
Reducing hazards in the home
Encouraging others to prepare and volunteering to help your community |
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Term
What is the EOP?
(CERT Manual Page 1-4) |
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Definition
All government agencies with a role in disaster response work to organize and coordinate their agencies’ activities before an emergency or disaster. The product of their work is the Emergency Operations Plan or “EOP” for that community. The EOP:
Assigns responsibility
Sets forth lines of authority
Describes how people and property will be protected
Identifies personnel, equipment, facilities, supplies, and other resources |
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Term
What personal protective equipment (PPE) are CERT members required to wear?
(CERT Manual Page 1-45) |
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Definition
Hard hat
Protective eyewear (safety goggles)
N-95 mask
Leather work and non-latex exam gloves
Long-sleeved shirt
Reflective vest
Long pants
Sturdy shoes or boots |
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Term
What are 3 kinds of disasters?
(CERT Manual Page 1-7) |
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Definition
Natural
Technological
Intentional |
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Term
How can you assess your community's vulnerability to hazards?
(CERT Manual Page 1-8) |
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Definition
Identify the most common disasters that occur
Identify possible hazards with most severe impact
Consider recent and/or historical impacts
Identify susceptible locations in the community for specific hazards: people, buildings, infrastructure
Consider what to expect for disruption of services and length of restoration |
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Term
What key elements do disasters have in common?
(CERT Manual Page 1-8) |
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Definition
Regardless of the event, disasters have several key elements in common:
They are relatively unexpected, with little or no warning or opportunity to prepare.
Available personnel and emergency services may be overwhelmed initially by demands for their services.
Lives, health, and the environment are endangered. |
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Term
Assess your community’s vulnerability to hazards:
(CERT Manual Page 1-8) |
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Definition
Identify the most common disasters that occur
Identify possible hazards with most severe impact
Consider recent and/or historical impacts
Identify susceptible locations in the community for specific hazards: people, buildings, infrastructure
Consider what to expect for disruption of services and length of restoration |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Transportation
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
Inability to assess damage accurately
Ambulances prevented from reaching victims
Police prevented from reaching areas of civil unrest
Fire departments prevented from getting to fires
Flow of needed supplies (food, water, etc.) is interrupted
Roads are closed and/or impassable |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Structures
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
Damaged critical facilities (e.g., hospitals, fire stations, police precincts, airports) unable to function normally
Increased risk of damage from falling debris |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Communication Systems
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
Victims unable to call for help
Coordination of services is hampered
Families and friends cannot communicate |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Utilities
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
Loss of service
Increased risk of fire or electrical shock
Limited access to fuel, e.g., pumps that may not work
Loss of contact between victims and service providers |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Water Service
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
Medical facilities hampered
Inadequate water flow, which results in notice to boil water and hampered firefighting capabilities
Increased risk to public health |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Fuel Supplies
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
Increased risk of fire or explosion from fuel line rupture
Risk of asphyxiation |
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Term
Possible Infrastructure Damage - Financial Services
(CERT Manual Page 1-9) |
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Definition
ATMs do not work
Credit card systems inoperable |
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